Drill & Blast Engineer

Rio Tinto Group • Boron, CA

93d

About The Position

The Drill and Blast Engineer is responsible for the design, planning, execution, and optimization of drilling and blasting operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective mineral extraction. Reporting to the Senior Engineer, this role involves close collaboration with technical and operational staff to develop and implement blast strategies that align with operational goals and regulatory standards. The D&B engineer will be responsible for mitigating risks, optimizing wall control, and ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-effective mining.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Explosive Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in drill and blast engineering, preferably in open-pit mining.
• Proficiency in blast design software and 3D mine planning tools.
• Strong understanding of explosives, drilling equipment, and blasting techniques.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., MSHA, Explosives Act).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Boron's unique mineralogy and operational environment.
• Experience with borates or similar industrial minerals.
• Knowledge of vibration monitoring and environmental impact mitigation.
• Exposure to lean mining practices and operational efficiency programs.

Responsibilities

• Design drill patterns and blast plans based on geological and geotechnical data.
• Select appropriate explosives and detonation systems for each project.
• Monitor drilling accuracy and adjust plans to minimize dilution and overbreak.
• Conduct post-blast analysis and maintain detailed documentation.
• Lead implementation of advanced blast design, analysis, and modeling tools (e.g., JKSimBlast, BlastIQ) to simulate wall response.
• Drive continuous improvement through fragmentation analysis, vibration monitoring, and blast audits.
• Align short-term blast execution with long-term pit design, ensuring wall angles and catch-bench configurations are preserved.
• Collaborate with geotechnical teams to incorporate prism, radar, and other monitoring data into blast designs.
• Adjust charge weights and initiation sequences near zones of known movement or historical instability.
• Support back-analysis of blast-induced wall deformation, improving predictive models and future designs.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to drill and blast crews.
• Maintain and analyze stope metrics (e.g., powder factor, recovery rates).
• Participate in safety meetings and conduct regular inspections of work areas.

Benefits

• A safety-focused and inclusive working environment.
• A competitive salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees.
• Career development & education assistance to further your ambitions.
• Access to top tier family-friendly health and medical programs.
• Excellent retirement plan.
• A comprehensive leave policy that covers all moments that matter in life (vacation/annual, paid parental leave, short term sick leave, paid holidays).
• Ongoing individual wellbeing support for you and your family for personal and professional matters.
• Generous Rio Tinto employee share program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Mining (except Oil and Gas)
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree